Influence is not a commodity. A person holding a L9 influence can use it on any NPC, but not on any Player. If this piece of influence can get a NPC Brigadier to appoint a Brigade Major without fail, why can a PC Brigader not be swayed with the influcence? Let us consider the background. In this case the Major who wishes the position has gained a level 9 influence (likely from the King). In the case of the NPC, the Major spends the influence, and the Brigader grants him the position. Why?